Seats at the Table is a documentary about a transformative class that brings together university students with juvenile detention residents as they discuss classic works of Russian Literature.

SYNOPSIS

Seats at a Table is a documentary about a class that brings together university students with juvenile detention residents as they study classic works of Russian Literature.With its focus on the big picture ideas regarding the meaning of life, good versus evil, and our place as an individual within our society, they discuss their lives openly and honestly. Each group's stereotypical views are replaced by a much more nuanced understanding of each other, which belies their original preconceptions.

ARTISTIC STATEMENT

Having spent years with another wonderful teacher, John Hunter, working to replicate his World Peace Game, the subject of my documentary World Peace and other 4th-Grade Achievements, I met and observed for the past two years UVA Professor Andrew Kaufman and his Books Behind Bars program. Another example of the potential created by a stellar educational experience. My hope is that this film will truly inspire and teach others to consider adopting this example as a model for their own communities.

Filming of Seats at the Table was conducted from January to May, 2016. We are presently creating a trailer that we hope will aid in secruing the funding necessary to complete the film, scheduled for the summer of 2017.